Liam Paro’s journey to the top of world boxing has been filled with unexpected moments, but none quite as memorable as the day he sparred with American star Shakur Stevenson in Las Vegas — and Terence Crawford ended up playing referee.
Paro recalls being deep in the sparring session when Stevenson suddenly lost his cool.
“Reckoned I was headbutting him,” Paro grins.
“We’re into this spar and suddenly he’s whinging, complaining, saying I’m doing this and that …”
The Mackay southpaw admits the constant complaining began to grate on him. But then something unforgettable happened.
“Yeah, Terence Crawford,” Paro continues, his smile widening at the memory.
“Terence had come into the gym this particular day to watch us spar and could hear Shakur carrying on.
“After a while, he finally shouts, ‘well, shut the f*** up and do something then’.
“And to hear Terence Crawford say that to my opponent? While I was sparring?
“Man, phenomenal.”
Paro believes moments like that are what shape a fighter’s mentality.
“I know Shakur Stevenson likes to keep things pretty,” the Aussie shrugs, “but I’m in a fight.
“Together, we were doing 10 four-minute rounds.
“And you know me, I’ll just keep fighting until I can’t no more …”
The Road to a Defining Night
Only days after Crawford shocked the boxing world by defeating Mexican icon Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in front of 70,000 fans at Allegiant Stadium, Paro is preparing for his own defining moment. On Thursday night, he faces undefeated Frenchman David Papot in an IBF welterweight eliminator at Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane.
A professional fighter since the age of five, Papot arrives with a perfect record in 31 bouts. The 34-year-old has been confident since touching down in Australia, initially dismissing Paro’s abilities.
He reportedly told media he had barely watched any tape of the Queenslander, and after being shown clips on an iPhone, bluntly described him as “nothing special.”
But Paro is relishing the challenge.
“But I’m the guy,” he insists, “who will solve that puzzle.”
And if he does, his path is clear.
“World titles,” Paro says simply.
Victory on Thursday will set him up for a shot at newly crowned IBF welterweight champion Lewis Crocker, who stunned Paddy Donovan with a decision win just hours before Crawford’s triumph.
A Web of Boxing Politics
Promoter Eddie Hearn, who represents Crocker, has already hinted at a different path for his fighter, mentioning Englishman Conor Benn as a potential opponent. This could complicate Paro’s title shot.
Paro, however, isn’t fazed.
“But I’m not surprised by the Benn talk,” he shrugs.
“Eddie Hearn, he wants to keep that belt inside his stable.
“And they know if I get to Lewis Crocker, I also get his belt.
“That’s what it is.
“They know he fights me, and I take the belt from him.
“And promoters want to keep all the jewels.”
Despite once being signed to Matchroom, Paro stresses there’s no lingering animosity toward Hearn. Instead, he places his faith in his current promoters, No Limit, who have strong links with US powerhouse PBC.
“So the Rose boys can put me in the opposite corner to any world champion,” Paro explains, “and I’ll be happy.
“Because I’m confident I can beat any of them.
“And with the influence No Limit have globally, I know they can get me that world title shot with a win on Thursday night.
“And can bring the fight Down Under, too.
“How awesome would that be?
“So I don’t care who it is, line ‘em all up.
“Because that’s what means the most to me … and I am going to win a world title here.”
Rising Through Setbacks
Paro has already proven he can upset the odds. Last year, he shocked the boxing world by dethroning IBF super lightweight champion Subriel Matias. That victory made him a breakout pay-per-view star in Australia.
However, his first title defence ended in defeat against Richardson Hitchins, a fight hampered by a brutal weight cut. The ordeal was so severe that Paro lost his voice and even his eyesight temporarily. That experience forced him to move up in weight and pursue his next big opportunity at welterweight.
Ironically, this is the same division where Crawford once held every belt, becoming the undisputed champion. For Paro, Crawford remains a benchmark of excellence.
Asked about Crawford’s victory over Alvarez, Paro didn’t hesitate.
“Just one word … wow.
“Everyone already knew how good Terence Crawford was, but now he’s gone and really certified it.
“The guy is a generational talent; an absolute freak.
“I’m just glad I’ve been here to watch him fight …”
It’s a surreal full circle for Paro, who still remembers Crawford backing him during that heated spar with Stevenson.
Memories of Stevenson
Stevenson, now the WBC lightweight champion, didn’t enjoy that day in Las Vegas, Paro recalls.
“You know, I’ve still got a picture of Shakur and I from that day,” Paro smiles. “It’s on my Instagram page, both of us stood there together after the spar.
“And you can see by the look on Shakur’s face, he is upset.
“But that’s OK.
“Let him be salty.”
For Paro, those experiences are more than just memories — they are stepping stones. Sparring with world champions, upsetting favourites, and enduring setbacks have all brought him to this moment.
On Thursday night in Brisbane, with a potential shot at world glory hanging in the balance, Liam Paro has the chance to write his own history. And if his confidence and preparation are anything to go by, he intends to make sure the world takes notice.